Veteran actor Tang Hu, who was a familiar face in Mediacorp dramas from the '80s and '90s, went through a three-hour below-the-knee amputation of his right leg yesterday (May 25).

The 82-year-old spoke to a Lianhe Wanbao journalist hours after the operation, and the journalist noted that Tang Hu sounded extremely dejected and sighed repeatedly during the interview.

According to the report, Tang Hu has been suffering from diabetes for years. A few months ago, his right little toe was amputated after a blood clot was detected.

Tang Hu was hospitalised for 55 days following the first op, and was told during a routine check-up that the condition of his right foot was deteriorating.

He was then advised by his doctor to undergo a below-the-knee amputation or risk losing his life. At the same time, he was also told that the op was not without its risks and that his heart could stop beating at any time during the procedure.

Tang Hu said, “I thought that the amputation would be the end [of my suffering], but the wound still hurts. It’s an indescribable sort of pain that causes me to get very little sleep at night. The doctor told me that it couldn’t be helped since the wound is huge.”

According to Lianhe Wanbao, the negative prognosis has taken a toll on Tang Hu’s mental health. He admitted that he “wanted to jump off the hospital and put an end” to his suffering, but decided against it when he thought of his wife and family, who have always supported him.

Sadly, Tang Hu, who has a son and a daughter and four grandchildren, remains pessimistic about his chances of getting better.

“My oldest grandson is 26 and intends to get married at the end of the year. I’m not sure if I’ll be alive then, he sighed.

The retired actor will be hospitalised for the next two months or so. He said being in hospital is a “relief” because he doesn’t want to be a burden to his kids, who are busy with work and their lives.

He added that he’s undecided if he’s going to employ a helper to care for him when he’s discharged because he’s “worried” that he might “get bullied by the helper”.

Tang Hu was one of Mediacorp's most prominent supporting actors in '80s and '90s. Some of the many dramas he starred in include 1985’s Son of Pulau Tekong, 1986’s Men Of Valour and 1987's Painted Faces. He was last seen in 2008's Folks Jump Over The Wall opposite Kym Ng and Bryan Wong.

If you or someone you know is having difficulties coping, here are some numbers to call:
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
CHAT @ *SCAPE: (+65) 6493 6500, (+65) 6493 6501
SAF Counselling Hotline: 1800-278-0022

Photos: Mediacorp, Lianhe Wanbao